Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Glassman Warns Residents About Price Gouging, Looting, and Curfew Charges as Hurricane Season Peaks

Oct 2, 2026

Broward County criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman, a former public defender with nearly two decades of experience, explains how Florida's price gouging, looting, and curfew laws are enforced during hurricane season and how his firm defends clients across Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Fort Lauderdale, United States, October 2, 2026 -- As Atlantic hurricane season reaches its most active stretch of the year, South Florida law enforcement agencies are preparing to enforce Florida's price gouging, looting, and emergency curfew laws the moment a storm threatens Broward County. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A. is reminding residents and business owners how quickly a hurricane-related decision can turn into a criminal charge and why an experienced Broward County criminal defense lawyer matters if that happens.

Why Enforcement Intensifies During Storm Season

Matthew Glassman, criminal defense attorney serving clients throughout Broward County, Florida.

Mid-September through mid-October marks the peak of hurricane activity in the Atlantic, and Florida's Attorney General activates the state's price gouging hotline the moment a state of emergency is declared for any county, including Broward. Local police and the Broward County Sheriff's Office also increase patrols and impose curfews in evacuation zones after a storm passes, and violating those orders can lead to arrest even when someone believes they have a legitimate reason to be outside.

Florida's Price Gouging Statute Carries Real Criminal Exposure

Under Florida Statute § 501.160, it is unlawful to charge an “unconscionable price” for essential commodities including gas, water, food, ice, generators, lumber, and hotel rooms once a state of emergency is declared. Price gouging is typically charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, and violations can carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with repeat or egregious conduct drawing scrutiny from both the Attorney General's Office and local prosecutors.

Looting Charges Escalate Quickly During a State of Emergency

Florida law treats burglary or theft committed during a declared state of emergency as an enhanced offense. Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft that would otherwise be a misdemeanor or lower-degree felony can be reclassified one degree higher when committed during a riot or state of emergency, meaning a relatively minor theft can suddenly carry felony prison exposure. Curfew violations, though often minor on their own, are frequently the reason police stop someone in the first place and can lead to additional charges if officers find other evidence during that stop.

How Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Glassman Helps Clients Navigate Storm-Related Charges

Criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman, founder of the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A., has been licensed to practice law since 2005 and has spent nearly two decades defending clients throughout South Florida — beginning his career as an assistant public defender in the Broward County Public Defender's Office. That background continues to shape how he defends clients facing hurricane-related charges in Broward County.

“Storms bring out the best in most people, but a handful of arrests happen every season because someone panicked, misunderstood a curfew, or didn't realize a price increase could be considered unconscionable under Florida law,” said Matthew Glassman. “People need a criminal defense attorney who understands the emergency order in place and how prosecutors use these enhancement statutes.”

Areas of Focus for Storm-Related Criminal Defense in Broward County, FL

  1. Defending against price gouging complaints and Attorney General inquiries

  2. Challenging enhanced looting and burglary charges tied to a state of emergency

  3. Representing clients cited or arrested for curfew violations

  4. Scrutinizing the legality of stops made during emergency patrols

  5. Representing clients that have a Broward County arrest through their entire trial


What to Do If Charged with a Storm-Related Offense in Broward County, FL

  1. Exercise the right to remain silent until speaking with counsel

  2. Keep records of pricing, inventory, and any emergency order in effect at the time

  3. Avoid discussing the case by phone, text, or social media

  4. Contact a Broward County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible

  5. Attend all scheduled court dates while the case is pending


About Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A.

Based at 600 SW 4th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A. represents clients facing drug crimes, trafficking charges, DUI, domestic violence, weapons offenses, and other criminal matters throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties. The firm holds a 5.0-star rating on Google based on almost 300 client reviews and Matthew Glassman is rated Superb (10.0) by Avvo.

Anyone facing criminal charges in Broward or Palm Beach County, FL, is encouraged to contact the firm for a free consultation.

Contact Info:
Name: Matthew Glassman
Email: Send Email
Organization: Law Office of Matthew Glassman
Address: 600 SW 4th Ave #103, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 908-3399
Website: https://www.matthewglassmanlaw.com/

Release ID: 89205062

In the event of any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release, we encourage you to notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team will be readily available to respond and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any identified issues or assist with removal requests. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and precise information is paramount to us.

MORE NEWS
Japan tame North Korea to win Games gold after shootout drama
Oct 2, 2026
Japan tame North Korea to win Games gold after shootout drama

JAPAN — Hosts Japan won their third straight Asian Games women's football gold on Friday, edging North Korea on penalties after a 2-2 draw in a dramatic final. Yuzuho Shiokoshi scored the decisive penalty as Japan, who reached the final without conceding a goal, won 5-3 in the shootout to claim the title for the fourth time. North Korea changed their goalkeeper in the final minute of extra time but it was not enough to give them their first gold since 2014. The hosts looked in full control when Mami Ueno gave them the lead in the 32nd minute in Shizuoka. But Jong Kum bundled in an equalizer two minutes into the second half that was eventually given after a VAR check, before Jon Ryong Jong put North Korea ahead in the 69th minute. Japan's Hanon Nishio equalized with four minutes left to send the game into extra time. The teams could not be separated and North Korea brought on substitute goalkeeper Chae Un Gyong to help their cause. Instead it was Japan goalkeeper Shu Ohba who was the hero, stopping Jong's penalty in the only miss of the shootout. North Korea were backed by groups of red-clad supporters among the crowd of over 6,000. Japan and North Korea went into the final having each scored 26 goals in the previous rounds. The two teams had also shared the previous six Asian Games titles, winning three each. Japan coach Michihisa Kano won his first title since replacing Greenland-born Nils Nielsen. Nielsen led Japan to the Asian Cup title in Australia in March but was fired 12 days later. North Korea were looking to extend their astonishing recent run of international success in women's football. They have won three world titles at age-group level in the last two years, and North Korean club Naegohyang Women's FC became Asian champions in May after a final tournament played in South Korea. Women's football is one of the strongest international sports for diplomatically isolated and impoverished North Korea, with their national sides regularly competing at the highest levels in Asia and globally.

Asian Games 2026: Jeus Yape wins Philippines' 4th gold as taekwondo leads medal rush
Oct 2, 2026
Asian Games 2026: Jeus Yape wins Philippines' 4th gold as taekwondo leads medal rush

Jeus Yape delivered a surprise gold medal for the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games on Friday as he ruled the mixed virtual taekwondo event in Japan.

LOOK: San Beda def. San Sebastian (85-55)
Oct 2, 2026
LOOK: San Beda def. San Sebastian (85-55)

NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament San Beda def. San Sebastian, 85-55 Aldous Torculas Player of the Game #NCAASeason102

Philippines tennis star Eala says 'I get overwhelmed sometimes'
Oct 2, 2026
Philippines tennis star Eala says 'I get overwhelmed sometimes'

NAGOYA, Japan — Alexandra Eala admitted on Friday that she gets "overwhelmed sometimes" by the huge weight of expectation placed on her as a trailblazer for tennis in the Philippines. The 21-year-old leaves the Asian Games having fallen short of her ambition to win gold for her country, instead settling for bronze. Eala is followed everywhere by adoring fans eager for a piece of the world number 18, who in August became the first player from the Philippines to win a title on the women's WTA Tour. "I definitely do get overwhelmed sometimes," said Eala. "But I understand that it's such a privilege to be in the position that I'm in and to be able to live out the dreams that I've always had as a kid. "So it's something I've had to accept that it comes with the job, and this is how things are. "I'm ready for the challenge." Eala, who skipped the prestigious China Open in Beijing to play for her country at the Asian Games, said she would take away good memories despite exiting in the semi-finals in a three-set defeat to China's lower-ranked Wang Xinyu. Wang went on to beat compatriot Zhang Shuai to win gold on Friday. "It does come with pressure, but I'm really happy that I was able to compete here," said Eala, who was the top seed. "To be able to share it with the Filipino people is really important," she added. "No regrets. I left everything on the court," said Eala. With Games gold comes direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Eala said it was still her "dream" to play in LA. "There are other ways of qualifying for the Olympics, so I guess it's also an extra motivation," she said. "Competing in the Olympics is definitely a dream of mine. So, if anything, I leave here more motivated."

NCAA: EJ Castillo stars as EAC marches to second win at LPU's expense
Oct 2, 2026
NCAA: EJ Castillo stars as EAC marches to second win at LPU's expense

EJ Castillo dropped 23 points as Emilio Aguinaldo College notched its second straight win at the expense of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 89-79, in the NCAA Season 102 on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Barbosa falters in taekwondo final, settles for silver
Oct 2, 2026
Barbosa falters in taekwondo final, settles for silver

MANILA, Philippines — Olympian Kurt Bryan Barbosa bowed to Kazakhstan’s Tamirlan Tleules, 2-0, and settled for the silver medal in men’s under-58kg taekwondo at the 2026 Asian Games at the Toyohashi City General Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. After a tight first round, the 27-year-old Barbosa was completely dominated by the 20-year-old Tleules in the match as the Kazakh did not allow the Filipino to score in the second round.

Kurt Barbosa bags silver in Asian Games taekwondo
Oct 2, 2026
Kurt Barbosa bags silver in Asian Games taekwondo

Tokyo Olympian and taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa captured another silver medal for the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games after falling short against Kazakhstan"s Tamirlan Tlueles in the men"s 58kg final on Friday in Japan.

Mangin grabs silver in Asian Games taekwondo
Oct 2, 2026
Mangin grabs silver in Asian Games taekwondo

MANILA, Philippines — Teenager Tachiana Mangin faltered in the gold medal match against world taekwondo champion Jingyue Ma of China in the women’s under-49 kilogram (kg), 2-0, to cop a silver medal in her Asian Games debut on Friday night. The 18-year-old Mangin was outplayed by the 25-year-old Ma, who showed more precise kicks over the Filipina.

Tachiana Mangin takes silver in Asian Games taekwondo
Oct 2, 2026
Tachiana Mangin takes silver in Asian Games taekwondo

Taekwondo jin Tachiana Mangin of the Philippines settled for silver in the 2026 Asian Games after falling short against China"s Ma Jingyue in the women"s 49kg final on Friday in Japan.

LOOK: EAC def. Lyceum (89-79)
Oct 2, 2026
LOOK: EAC def. Lyceum (89-79)

NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament   EAC def. Lyceum, 89-79  EJ Castillo Player of the Game #NCAASeason102

UAAP: Cabs Cabonilas proves vital for FEU as rookie season rolls on
Oct 2, 2026
UAAP: Cabs Cabonilas proves vital for FEU as rookie season rolls on

Wasting no time in showcasing his budding potential in the seniors division, reigning UAAP high school season and finals Most Valuable Player Cabs Cabonilas is already staking his claim as one of the main protagonists for a stacked Far Eastern University squad.

Kaila Napolis scores Asian Games bronze in jiu-jitsu
Oct 2, 2026
Kaila Napolis scores Asian Games bronze in jiu-jitsu

Kaila Napolis scored a bronze medal in the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Mongolia"s Tsagaanbileg Altangerel in the women"s 52kg bronze medal match on Friday in Japan.

YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.

Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?

Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.